Thursday, 30 December 2010

What is Ethnicity?

Ethnicity - is a group of people whose members identify with each other, through a common heritage, consisting of a common language, a common culture/religion and a tradition of common ancestry. Often, ethnicity also connotes shared cultural, linguistic, behavioural or religious traits.

Members of an ethnic group are conscious of belonging to an ethnic group; ethnic identity is further marked by the recognition from others of a group's distinctiveness. Membership of an ethnic group is likely to imply certain very specific health risks and needs.

Ethnicity is a major factor affecting the health of individuals and communities. While the 'ethnicity' (or 'ethnic group') describe many national differences in the way that ethnic groups are described, it is also said that 'ethnicity' is a socially constructed identity, and doesn’t genetically determine behaviour and the qualities of the individual.